The community of Ugbawka in Enugu State and the wider Nigerian political and social landscape are in mourning, following the celebration of life for the late Chief Rex Chukwuma Onyeabo (KSM). The esteemed technocrat, elder statesman, and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) passed away on August 7, 2025, after a battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, diagnosed in May of the same year.
A Grand Farewell for a Community Pillar
Dignitaries from across Nigeria recently gathered in Ovuorie Community, Ugbawka, for a grand funeral ceremony. The event was attended by Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and featured a funeral mass co-celebrated by John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, and the Bishop of Enugu, Dr. Callistus Onaga. In a poignant twist of fate, the ceremony came almost a year to the day after Chief Onyeabo buried his beloved wife, Dame Dr. Felicia Onyeabo, on November 29.
The period of mourning was also a time for commissioning legacy projects. The Onyeabo family inaugurated and equipped a seven-ward maternity hospital located within the premises of St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Ugbawka. This vital facility was a project initiated by the late Dame Felicia Onyeabo, aimed at combating high maternal mortality in the locality.
A Legacy Forged in Service and Politics
Chief Onyeabo's remarkable career was a testament to his commitment to nation-building. Born on November 2, 1945, he earned a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in the USA. Despite promising opportunities abroad in the 1980s, he chose to return to Nigeria to contribute his expertise.
His distinguished public service included serving as Permanent Secretary of the Enugu State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. At the federal level, he held chairmanship positions at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital. He was also a former Chairman of the Nike Lake Resort Hotels in Enugu.
Politically, Chief Onyeabo was a pivotal figure. As a founding member and pioneer of the PDP, he served as its Interim National Secretary in 2001 and remained a respected member of the party's Board of Trustees (BoT) until his death. His wisdom was sought in shaping major party policies.
Tributes from the Highest Offices
The depth of his impact was reflected in tributes from the nation's leaders. Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan praised him as "a man of great vision and principle" who played a pivotal role in nurturing Nigeria's democracy. Governor Peter Mbah highlighted his passionate party loyalty and distinguished service.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a close political ally, mourned the loss of a "true patriot" whose humility and loyalty were exemplary. Atiku noted that Chief Onyeabo's managerial acumen led to numerous key appointments during President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration.
Beyond politics, Chief Onyeabo was a man of deep faith. A Fourth-Degree Knight of St. Mulumba (KSM), his Christian witness was profound. He fully supported the church leadership journey of his late wife, who rose to become President of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) Nigeria and a board member of its worldwide body.
He was also a revered community leader, bearing traditional titles including Onwa na-etili Ora I of Ugbawka (meaning "the moon that shines for the populace") and Ada-Idaha of the Efik Kingdom—a rare honour for a non-indigene. He was instrumental in creating autonomous communities and fostering unity among Igbo indigenes in Abuja.
Chief Rex Onyeabo is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a nation grateful for his lifetime of service, faith, and excellence. His legacy, as Cardinal Onaiyekan stated, is a "precious heritage" for his family and all who knew him to emulate and build upon.
